Beef and Baby Root Vegetable Fricassee

Ingredients

3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup flour
1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 2-inch chunks
Essence
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped celery
Salt and cayenne
2 bay leaves
1 cup dry red wine
5 cups water
1/2 pound pearl onions, peeled
1/4 pound baby carrots, peeled
1/4 pound baby turnips
1/4 pound baby new potatoes, quartered
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

In a large sauce pan, with a lid, over medium heat, whisk the oil and flour together. Stir the mixture constantly for about 10 to 15 minutes, for a dark roux. Season the stew meat with Essence. Add the meat to the roux and brown the meat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the chopped onions and celery. Season with salt and cayenne. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the bay leaves and red wine.

Stir for 1 minute, until a paste forms. Stir the water into the roux mixture. Add the onions, carrots, turnips, potatoes, garlic, thyme, and black pepper. Bring the liquid up to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and continue to cook for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the meat is very tender. Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve over rice or creamy grits.

Yield: 4 servings